Coronavirus: Volunteers ramp up San Francisco Mission District outreach, where highest number of COVID-19 cases reported

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- San Francisco's Mission District has the zip code with the highest number of novel coronavirus cases in the city.

According to Dr. Colfax, Director of the San Francisco's Department of Public Health, 25% of the COVID-19 cases in the city are among the Latino community.

CORONAVIRUS TESTING CENTERS: Where can I get tested for COVID-19 in the Bay Area?

"It was upsetting but we are doing all we can to address some of these disparities we are seeing to really expanding testing to these communities that have been underserved and to reach them the best way we can," said Dr. Gabriel Chamie, UCSF infectious disease specialist.

Dr. Chamie is leading one of three test sites where helping those infected and collecting clear data is in the forefront during this pandemic.

"To try to understand the underlying epidemiology or transmission of COVID-19 not just in the hospital, who's coming in sick but out the community," said Dr. Chamie.

The goal is to test over 5,000 people by Tuesday. What's making it easier is technically bringing the hospital test site to the community.

A group of day laborers outside of Garfield Square said, "Yes, we all got tested."

RELATED: 25% of San Francisco's COVID-19 cases are among Latinos; here's what's being done to help

Francisco Chavez is one of workers who admitted that if it wasn't for the test site, he wouldn't have gone to a hospital.

"I wouldn't have gone. It takes too long to get tested at a hospital and I don't have time to wait," said Chavez.

On Saturday, 950 people got tested, and on Sunday that number declined. According to Jon Jacobo with the Latino Task Force on COVID-19, around 700 people were tested Sunday.

"It's probably a multitude of things. I think a little bit is fear based. I definitely acknowledge that there are people that I've spoken to in our community who are essential workers. They are the bread earner of their household and they are scared to know if they have COVID," explained Jacobo.

Jacobo also believes that the Latino community's fear towards immigration and scams towards this community might have impacted the decline in test numbers.

RELATED: San Francisco to expand testing to communities hit hard by COVID-19

"The community is mistrustful of quote and quote 'authority figures' that want to help. We are doing our best by recruiting organizer from the neighborhood," said Jacobo.

Approximately 50 volunteers are going door-to-door to 1,400 homes in the census track of this neighborhood.

Their goal is to surpass their 5,000 tests by Tuesday.

If you have a question or comment about the coronavirus pandemic, submit yours via the form below or here.

Get the latest news, information and videos about the novel coronavirus pandemic here RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:

• Live updates about coronavirus outbreak in US, around the world
• Coronavirus data: See how the curve of COVID-19 cases is bending in each Bay Area county
• Everything you need to know about the Bay Area's shelter-in-place order
• Coronavirus Doctor's Note: Dr. Alok Patel gives his insight into COVID-19 pandemic
• Stimulus calculator: How much money should you expect from coronavirus relief bill
• WATCH: ABC7's interactive town hall 'Race and Coronavirus: A Bay Area Conversation'
• What Bay Area tenants need to know about rent payments, eviction amid COVID-19 outbreak
• Here's how shelter in place, stay at home orders can slow spread of COVID-19
• Coronavirus Timeline: Tracking major moments of COVID-19 pandemic in San Francisco Bay Area/
• Coronavirus and the new normal of living in the San Francisco-Bay Area -- COVID-19 Diaries
• Happy hour goes virtual as people try to be sociable while social distancing during COVID-19 crisis
• Coronavirus Outbreak: Here's why you should practice 'social distancing'
• DRONEVIEW7: What the Bay Area looks like during the coronavirus shelter-in-place
• ABC7's drive around San Francisco shows empty streets, businesses shuttered
• Symptoms, prevention, and how to prepare for a COVID-19 outbreak in the US
• List of stores, companies closing due to coronavirus pandemic
• Canceled late fees, free services available amid COVID-19 crisis
• Here's how you can help during COVID-19 pandemic
• How to maintain learning during school closures
• No masks but here are 100+ products that may help protect you against novel coronavirus germs
• Here's a look at some of history's worst pandemics that have killed millions
• Asian community fighting racism, xenophobia, bigotry as world fights COVID-19